Dallas Business Journal
By City of Ennis
Ennis, Texas is home to an eight-block historic register downtown bustling with 10 new businesses, beautiful streetscapes and the perfect backdrop to year-round events and activities.
“Downtown is the heart of our city; it belongs to everyone. Our ultimate goal is to turn our downtown into an experiential destination frequented by locals and visitors alike,” said Becky McCarty, downtown development and tourism director.
Ten short years ago downtown Ennis, like many other historic downtowns, was faced with vacancies and declining infrastructure as the highway corridor continued to grow. The catalyst for change happened in 2013 when an F1 tornado caused significant damage to key historic buildings. After years of decline and recent structural damage, many buildings were slated for demolition until a local group went to city commission to save downtown. From the efforts of this group and new city leadership, a plan was put into place that would change the trajectory of downtown.
The plan included the Historic Preservation Grant Program that encourages revitalization by providing matching funds for renovation and restoration of 22% of qualified costs. There are 29 completed grants and one pending grant providing $2.4 million in matching grants to create over $10 million in private investment.
According to Parker Colorado, “Historic preservation has practical and economic benefits. It helps enhance a town’s cultural vitality and identity, aids in local economic and community revitalization, increases tourism by attracting residents and visitors, conserves resources, promotes environmental stability, and increases tax bases and property value.
Once the grant program gained momentum, the next step was to develop a downtown master plan. Created by Mesa Design Firm, the plan focused on how to get the economic engine running and, most importantly, how to ensure its sustainability. Once the plan was approved, action began almost immediately. Strong support from the mayor and city commission resulted in significant progress in a short amount of time.
Projects reshape historic downtown
Minnie McDowal Park ($800,000) was the first project completed from the downtown master plan. The intention was to show residents the plans were not theoretical; they were truly going to come to fruition in Ennis. The new park is a public gathering space that includes climbing and water features for children, a performance gazebo, public restrooms and a stunning art wall.
Downtown Infrastructure/Beautification ($11 million) was next and transformed downtown into a pedestrian friendly, tree-lined area with handicap-accessible, grade-level streets/curbs, red brickwork and flower planters. The Dallas Street project also includes alleys and, most importantly, replacement of 100-year-old infrastructure. Along with community grease traps, the new infrastructure set the foundation for developers and investors to open new restaurants and second story urban loft living.
The new Welcome Center ($4.3 million) provides a one-stop-shop for investors and developers. It houses the Economic Development team, Planning and Development, and Chamber of Commerce, and welcomes visitors from around the world.
The Downtown Underpass ($50 million) is the most integral part of the downtown master plan. After years of collaborating with Union Pacific, consultants and other partners, plans are now 90% complete and construction will begin in 2024. The project will be done in partnership with Union Pacific and the Texas Department of Transportation to allow the Union Pacific rail line to pass overhead, removing the obstacle on the roadway that connects I-45 to the historic downtown and making it easier for commerce to be conducted between the highway corridor and downtown. The bridge will also create a gateway into downtown visible from I-45.
Another important component of the downtown master plan is the North and South Plazas that will create anchors on both ends of downtown. They will be multistory, multi-use plazas featuring retail, residential, office and public gathering spaces. The intention is for these plazas to be a public/private partnership, and the Economic Development team is seeking investors/developers.
The change in energy can already be felt within our downtown and will only continue to propel as revitalization and integral projects continue.
Are you ready to learn more about downtown and explore opportunities in Ennis? Visit our website for more information.